How do you like to clean your front hubs

[tdskip]

Have a set I am rebuilding, any specific tips on cleaning them easily? Do you knock the studs out first?

Thanks!

[Steve@Rennsport]

Soda blast them; no need to remove the studs or bearing races.

[911pcars]

Unless you're replacing the studs for some reason, leave them alone. Not needed to clean the hub.

If DIY, get a supply of latex or equiv. gloves to minimize the "yuck-in-hand" clean up, a plastic bucket, big enough to submerge one hub and some degreaser.

FWIW, here's a short list of degreasers/cleaners. Not sure if the blogger got paid or is really into testing and rating degreasers:
Top 25 for Best Degreaser

Water solubility is handy for rinsing. You'll need a minimum of one gallon, so shop accordingly. In addition, some of these may affect aluminum (e.g. Simple Green - check the archives, and Pine-Sol isn't), so make sure it's safe for soaking aluminum parts.

Do I need to remind NOT to use gasoline or other highly explosive liquid?

Cleaning a wheel hub isn't near prepping for brain surgery. It's perfectly acceptable to remove old grease with your finger, then clean the hubs with a supply of old rock and roll t-shirts and spit. One's threshold of "clean enough" is variable.

Sherwood

[Ayles]

Had mine blasted. Quick, inexpensive and look amazing.

[tdskip]

Thanks guys.

Sand blasting with fine media is out?

[Joe Bob]

DIY water based degreaser "Purple Stuff" at Kragen's and others. 50/50 mix. Use a spray bottle and empty and rinse right after use, the stuff eats the pump mechanism.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by tdskip

Thanks guys.

Sand blasting with fine media is out?

Walnut shells or soda.

[tdskip]

Thanks guys

[911pcars]

The main cleaning "hump" is the existing grease in and around the hub - probably mandatory before showing it to your friendly media blaster unless they provide concierge service. Bead or shell blasting is optional to make it look nice. Avoid using grit media.

[tdskip]

Thanks

[Dr. Dynamics]

blasted mine...
but you could use an eagle one product "MAG Wheel cleaner", or diluted a/c coil cleaner. Not for painted surfaces though.

[Ayles]

Heres how they came out:

That looks great. Are the hubs then coated with something to keep them nice? Clara? Powder coat?

[Ayles]

Not coated with anything. Didnt even think about it to be honest.